I always love to spend time with my wife's grandparents over the holidays. Aside from a few good games of Euchre (we teamed up for a family record 11-0 game), each visit provides the opportunity to learn a little about what life was like when they were growing up, and a view of the good and bad times they are experiencing now. They are getting into their late 70s, and still very fit and spry.
One interesting conversation we had was a discussion about their rising property taxes. Having lived in the same home since the 1960s, they are clearly aware that the amount assessed on their 3.5 acres in the country has more than tripled over the years. And since they are basically on a set retirement budget now, this amount can really hit home. A few days after this conversation, I read that the town of Greenburgh, NY is experimenting with a plan to let seniors work in various local government jobs to earn credits toward their property taxes (which are 3rd-highest in the U.S.). They are being paid a respectable tax-free $7 per hour.
At a minimum, this would mean small part time jobs like stacking the library shelves or working the phones or reception for city offices. At best, it may allow retired doctors, lawyers or architects to put some of their high-value skills to work.
I think this experiment is a great test of a new way to solve the challenge of rising taxes and the aging of our workforce and society overall. The plan allows seniors another option to repay society, without just getting another free pass or handout. It also gives them something to do with their free time, and gives society an opportunity to interact with and learn from them. I would bet that these seniors would get a nice dose of pride at a time when some of them are forgotten or feel they can no longer contribute to society.
Since we were still together, I asked my grandparents-in-law what they thought of the plan. They thought it was pretty interesting, as long as it was part-time. We'll see if it will work, but if my focus group of two is accurate, this is a choice many seniors may appreciate.
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